Referee Liability Insurance

[CDM76]

California High Schools are adding a regulation about shin guards being properly marked. Referees are expected to verify all players are wearing certified/approved shin guards of the correct size prior to starting a match.

Knowing the litigious nature of our population, I'm imagining the lawsuits which could arise if a player were injured while playing with non-conforming shinguards.

Suggestions for companies/organizations which write blanket liability insurance for sports referees?

Anybody have experience purchasing or needing liability insurance?

[DerbyRam54]

As I occasionally referee matches that are don't appear to be part of either USSF or high school, I joined the National Association of Sports Officials. NASO offers liability coverage and a facility whereby you can consult with an attorney for advice. They are at www.naso.org
I don't recall the cost, but it was about the equivalent of an adult league match fee.

[campton]

Doesnt the referee checking the equiptment of players break the part of the new NFHSO saying that its the coaches responsibility?

[falcon.7]

Doesnt the referee checking the equiptment of players break the part of the new NFHSO saying that its the coaches responsibility?

I believe state organizations are free to add regulations they deem necessary. For instance, in CT we have a rule that says if a player receives a caution, they must leave the field and cannot return for 10 minutes (a.k.a. the "sin bin" or "time out"). This is NOT in the NFHS rules book. Also, overtime procedures are left up to the individual states (that IS written in the book).

[campton]

I believe state organizations are free to add regulations they deem necessary. For instance, in CT we have a rule that says if a player receives a caution, they must leave the field and cannot return for 10 minutes (a.k.a. the "sin bin" or "time out"). This is NOT in the NFHS rules book. Also, overtime procedures are left up to the individual states (that IS written in the book).



Makes sense. same type of thing in illinois. The player must leave. but can re-enter. The greatest change ever is: When in Kicks from the mark after 2 OT periods, the goalkeeper can rush the shooter at the whistle. BUT ONLY IN STATE PLAYOFFS

[Rufusabc]

That Illinois rush the shooter thing is the single dumbest change I have ever heard of....since the '60's in NJ where if a game was tied the team with more corner kicks was declared the winner. And you wonder why everyone else in the world HATES the way we play the game.

Any other stupid rule changes?

R

[campton]

YOu dont play man down if its your second yellow. Only if its a hard red. (might be all high school?). If you swear anywhere on the field, its a mandatory caution. My buddy said "Shit" after he shanked a cross. Hello yellow.

[Tarheel Ref]

NFHS rules allow for a team to play with eleven after a "soft-red" situation...I haven't run across it yet but if I'm working a HS match where I have to give a red it will be administrated in such a way that they WILL play with 10.

I don't get a lot of HS centers...I get to work lines while the guys with knee braces and bellies "run" the middles.

[campton]

I had one really bad game this year with a dirty team. It was the first time in HS i've seen a red card give, twice. It was the most poorly behaved team ever and they got to still play with 11, when they should've been down to 9.


Speaking of liability, i do indoor (no affiliation to any league/association) should i look into my own liability through a third party? Or is it unneccessary if i have an employer such as the indoor complex?

[falcon.7]

Speaking of liability, i do indoor (no affiliation to any league/association) should i look into my own liability through a third party? Or is it unneccessary if i have an employer such as the indoor complex?

I would ask the facility first. Ask if they have insurance that covers injuries to their employees (in case you're assaulted, or fall down the stairs). My guess is they do, but if not, you should consider getting some. Does anyone know if being a member of NASO give you insurance? If so that might be an option.

I also do indoor, and your post has gotten me thinking about my coverage when I'm there. Thanks :).

[andymoss]

As I occasionally referee matches that are don't appear to be part of either USSF or high school, I joined the National Association of Sports Officials. NASO offers liability coverage and a facility whereby you can consult with an attorney for advice. They are at www.naso.org (http://www.naso.org)
I don't recall the cost, but it was about the equivalent of an adult league match fee.

If you subscribe to Referee Magazine (http://www.referee.com/) you get NASO liability insurance. Mine was $29.95 on special. You should be able to call them and get this rate.

[refmike]

The indoor soccer complex I work at uses only referees with USSF indoor badges. I assume that means I am covered by USSF referee insurance. If you don't have a USSF badge, then are you certified by anyone? They may provide coverage. If you have only your USSF outdoor badge, then you are at the mercy of the facility.

[NJ Ref]

The indoor soccer complex I work at uses only referees with USSF indoor badges. I assume that means I am covered by USSF referee insurance. If you don't have a USSF badge, then are you certified by anyone? They may provide coverage. If you have only your USSF outdoor badge, then you are at the mercy of the facility.


Assume nothing! Most indoor facilities required certified referees. This does not mean that they are USSF sanctioned matches. I believe in NJ that “regular” indoor (not Futsol), are not sanctioned by USSF, but again, facilities require certified referees to do these matches. Check with your State office to be sure.

[NHRef]

The place I ref indoors only uses USSF refs and in the past has been USSF certified. They are not certified this year. They have insurance that covers the refs same as USSF does, so they did not renew with USSF this year. The difference to the refs is we are not suppose to wear anything with a USSF logo and cannot wear our badges.

[2wheels]

As independent contractors, it behooves the referees working the various leagues and organisations to be aware of legal liability issues (the name of parent organisation and other tourneys notwithstanding).

(There are other threads on the Referee Forum and this sub-thread was made when topic in the following discussion veered off:

You'll never work alone
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1141724)

During officiating soccer matches, several appeals from coaches concern the safety of the players.

Below are some of my major observations and thoughts on the mechanics and techniques that might significantly limit the referee's exposure to liability:

Goalposts
Per the LOTG, the officiating team is responsible for adhering to Law1 (goal-post check), especially the portable goals

Preventing dangerous and foul plays
by taking immediate, early, and decisive action
baiting/needling and provocation/taunting - nip these in the bud at the very first opportunity
and critically - keep all players and technical staff under observation at all times

Managing injury situation
supervise the injured player /s' treatment without giving (i) any opinion, (ii) first aid or any assistance to player or coach or trainer/medical personnel, (iii) diagnosis, (iv) any excuse to remove injured player/s so that you may get on with the game
protect injured player/s from more serious injury by stopping play immediately
(a wiseman in USofA told me once - injuries are cash cows and a major business)

Knowledge and courage in implementing rules and laws governing field and weather conditions
lightning / heat
pitch condition - safety is what the official determines, not when both coaches and teams agree that playing on a lumpy potato field is fine with them

Not engaging in conversation and dialogue with spectators
This would appear to be baiting the official for any response - which is likely to be construed as either (i) bias, (ii) verbal assault, ...


Other topics that include liability issues on this forum are:

Check goal posts thread
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=535443&page=3

Thunder/lightning threads
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112410
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=711743

Too hot thread
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1081460

Jewelry threads
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=960622
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48470

Check passes
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=613363

Referee [liability] Insurance (USSF and others) threads
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348881
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85038
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38215
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?p=13660724

Player life saved by referee (cpr and good samaritan) thread
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348881

[nonya]

For H.S. we would ONLY be liable if we did not ask the coaches if their players were properly equipped. Once we ask and verbally hear a "yes" from the head coach, we are off the hook for injuries unless something really strange happened.

[whyref]

NFHS rules allow for a team to play with eleven after a "soft-red" situation...I haven't run across it yet but if I'm working a HS match where I have to give a red it will be administrated in such a way that they WILL play with 10.

I don't get a lot of HS centers...I get to work lines while the guys with knee braces and bellies "run" the middles.

Hey! I wear a knee brace and have a belly. The knee is from 8-surgeries so I would be able to walk and run again, which I can. The belly is due to damage to the abdominal nerve web (I don't get it either, but there you are).

Some of us are as good as we ever were, it just doesn't seem to be at first glance.